Theo Nash
Alcohol washes are a fast, simple, and accurate way to determine the varroa mite infestation rate in honey bee colonies. The test involves placing a sample of bees in a jar with alcohol and then counting the number of mites that are washed off. The results of the test can be used to determine if treatment is needed to protect the colony from harm. While the alcohol wash method is widely considered to be the most accurate way to monitor varroa mite populations, it does result in the death of approximately 200 to 300 bees. However, this number is generally considered insignificant to the overall health and productivity of the colony, which typically contains between 20,000 and 50,000 bees.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | Alcohol wash is widely considered the most accurate method of monitoring Varroa populations. |
| Speed | Alcohol wash is faster than other methods like sugar roll or powdered sugar shake. |
| Ease | Alcohol wash is simple and easy to do by yourself with little equipment. |
| Consistency | Alcohol wash delivers consistent and accurate results. |
| Sample size | A sample of 200-300 bees is typically used, with 300 bees being approximately a 1/2 cup. |
| Infestation threshold | Treatment is typically considered at 2-3% infestation (6-9 mites per 300 bees), with some beekeepers allowing up to 3% (9 mites per 300 bees). |
| Timing | It is recommended to conduct a minimum of four counts per season, with some beekeepers monitoring monthly. Post-treatment checks should be done approximately 10- 21 days after treatment. |
| Equipment | Alcohol wash kits are available for purchase or can be easily made at home with a jar, alcohol, and a strainer. |
| Bee sacrifice | The alcohol wash method requires the sacrifice of a small number of bees (200-300), which has no significant impact on colony health but provides crucial information for its survival and productivity. |
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What You'll Learn
- Interpreting results: Consult a Varroa Guide and/or local thresholds to understand infestation rates
- Treatment: Results above 3% warrant treatment
- Bee sample: Choose 200-300 bees, preferably from a frame of capped brood
- Test frequency: Conduct a minimum of four counts per season to monitor mite loads
- Alternative methods: Powdered sugar shake is less accurate but does not kill bees
Interpreting results: Consult a Varroa Guide and/or local thresholds to understand infestation rates
Interpreting the results of an alcohol wash for varroa mites involves comparing mite counts to infestation rate thresholds to determine the need for treatment. While the acceptable mite infestation rate threshold is typically between 1-3%, individual beekeepers may develop their own thresholds based on the success of their hives, with 2% (or about 6 mites per 300 bees) being a recommended starting point.
After performing an alcohol wash, the number of mites counted in a sample of 200-300 bees should be divided by 2 or 3 to calculate the infestation rate as a percentage. For example, if 9 mites are found in a sample of 300 bees, the infestation rate is 3%.
If the infestation rate exceeds the threshold, treatment for varroa mites is warranted. It is recommended to treat the entire apiary if most colonies are at or near the infestation threshold, as bees can drift between colonies. Treatment methods should be chosen based on their legality, suitability for honey bee use, and effectiveness. It is important to read and follow the instructions on the treatment's label, and consult local beekeeper organisations and experienced beekeepers for guidance.
Regular alcohol wash tests, ideally performed monthly, help monitor colony health and plan ahead for treatment. Post-treatment checks, conducted about two to three weeks after treatment, are crucial to assess the efficacy of the treatment and ensure mite populations have been reduced. Comparing pre- and post-treatment mite levels provides essential information to evaluate the success of the treatment and make informed decisions about further action.
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Treatment: Results above 3% warrant treatment
An alcohol wash is a fast, simple, and accurate method to determine varroa mite infestation rates in bee colonies. It is recommended that beekeepers conduct a minimum of four counts per season to monitor for increasing mite loads. However, if mite levels exceed 3%, or about 3-9 mites in a sample of 300, this warrants immediate treatment.
When selecting a treatment, it is important to choose one that is legal, labelled for honey bee use, and known to be effective. It is also important to follow the instructions on the label carefully. Consult with your local beekeeper's organisation for more information. It is generally considered good practice to treat an entire apiary if most colonies are at or near the 3% infestation level, as bees drift between colonies, and treating only a few hives may be ineffective.
To treat varroa mites, you can use formic acid, which has been used for over 30 years without any known resistance. Other methods of treatment include the powdered sugar shake, which is less accurate and more time-consuming but does not kill the bees in the sample.
It is important to monitor mite levels two to three weeks after the treatment period has ended to ensure mite populations have been sufficiently reduced. This can be done by performing another alcohol wash or using other methods such as the powdered sugar shake or the Varroa EasyCheck test option.
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Bee sample: Choose 200-300 bees, preferably from a frame of capped brood
The alcohol wash method is a fast, simple, and accurate way to determine varroa mite infestation rates in honey bee colonies. While conducting an alcohol wash, it is important to choose the sampled bees correctly and consistently, both in terms of the location they are taken from and their number.
Bee supply stores carry various versions of alcohol wash kits, which include a cup-like container for alcohol, a strainer, and a way of swirling the bees in the alcohol. However, for those who prefer to DIY, alcohol wash kits are simple to make, and various DIY versions are readily found online.
When choosing your bee sample, opt for 200-300 bees, preferably from a frame of capped brood. It is important to ensure that the queen is not included in the sample. Frames with older larvae (just before capping) are ideal for sampling. If you are concerned about excluding the queen, you can opt for a frame or two of pollen closest to the brood, as nurse bees cover these frames while feeding nearby brood.
The number of bees in the test sample is crucial, as the results will be used to determine infestation rates. Dividing the number of mites counted by 2 or 3 will give you the infestation rate as a percentage. For example, if you sampled 300 bees and counted 6 mites, your infestation rate would be 2%.
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Test frequency: Conduct a minimum of four counts per season to monitor mite loads
To effectively monitor mite loads, it is recommended to conduct a minimum of four Varroa mite counts throughout the beekeeping season. This practice provides valuable insights into the mite population dynamics within your hive and helps guide mite management strategies.
The frequency and timing of these counts are crucial. Aim to space out the tests evenly, allowing for a representative sample of mite levels at different stages of the season. The specific timing of these tests should consider the natural lifecycle of the bees and the Varroa mite. For example, performing the first count before the main honey flow season can establish a baseline mite load. Subsequent counts can be conducted during the peak of the honey flow, after the honey flow, and towards the end of the beekeeping season.
By testing at these critical periods, you can make informed decisions about mite control interventions. For instance, if mite levels are already high during the honey flow, you may choose to apply a treatment to prevent further population explosions. This proactive approach ensures the health and productivity of your bees while also minimizing the use of unnecessary treatments.
Additionally, it is important to maintain a consistent testing schedule. Regular monitoring allows for early detection of mite infestations and helps track the effectiveness of any treatments applied. By conducting these counts at similar intervals throughout the season, you can establish a clear trend of mite loads over time and make more precise adjustments to your mite management strategies.
While four counts per season is a recommended minimum, it is beneficial to perform additional tests if circumstances warrant. For example, if mite levels in your region are known to fluctuate rapidly or if your hives have a history of high mite infestations, increasing the testing frequency can provide more detailed data to guide your management decisions.
Remember, effective mite management is crucial for the health and longevity of your bee colonies. By committing to regular mite counts and interpreting the results appropriately, you can take targeted actions to control mite populations and promote the well-being of your bees. This proactive approach contributes to the overall success of your beekeeping endeavours.
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Alternative methods: Powdered sugar shake is less accurate but does not kill bees
While an alcohol wash is an accurate and fast way to determine the varroa mite infestation rate, it does come with the disadvantage of sacrificing a sample of bees, typically 300. This may deter beekeepers from performing the test. An alternative method that does not involve killing bees is the powdered sugar shake.
The popularity of dusting colonies with powdered sugar as a means of varroa control has been growing among hobbyists. However, there is little published data to support its efficacy. One source suggests that to improve the efficacy of this method, it should be repeated at least twice a month throughout the entire broodrearing period. Another source mentions that vacuum-collected sugar and ground sugar are the most promising as field controls for varroa, as they promote high mite fall from adult bees and low adult bee mortality. Off-the-shelf confectioner's powdered sugar is also mentioned as a good option.
To perform a powdered sugar shake, you will need a mason jar outfitted with 1/8-inch hardware cloth, a bee brush, a measuring cup, powdered sugar, and a white/light-colored tray or tub. First, place a tablespoon of powdered sugar into the screened jar without the lid. Select a brood frame with plenty of bees, ensuring the queen is not on the frame. Using the bee brush, gently brush the bees into the measuring cup until it is half full. Dump these bees into the mason jar and place the screened lid on tightly. Swirl the jar to get the bees coated in sugar, and the mites will separate from the bees.
While the powdered sugar shake method is less accurate than an alcohol wash, it is a viable alternative for beekeepers who wish to avoid sacrificing bees. It is important to note that mite checks are crucial in monitoring varroa mite infestations and informing treatment decisions to protect the colony from harm.
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Frequently asked questions
The alcohol wash test is a method to determine the varroa mite infestation rate on a subset of adult bees within a colony.
It is recommended to conduct a minimum of four counts per season to monitor for increasing mite loads as the season progresses. Many choose to monitor monthly from early spring through the first freeze to keep a closer eye on mite counts.
You will need a Varroa EasyCheck or Varroa Mite Test Bottle sampler, a jar with a mesh, alcohol (rubbing alcohol, cleaning alcohol, diluted ethanol, or windshield washer fluid containing alcohol), a measuring cup, and protective safety gear.
The typical threshold to prompt treatment is 1-3% infestation, which would be about 3-9 mites in a sample of 300. If your results exceed this threshold, you should consider treating your bees for a varroa mite infestation.
Compare your results with published thresholds or local guidelines to decide if treatment is warranted. If treatment is necessary, select a treatment that is legal, labelled for honey bee use, and known to be effective. Consult with your local beekeeper's organisation for more information.
